Working with Bearing Distributors

Partnering and working with bearing distributors

By Nate Waymire, Freelance Writer

Ball bearing distributors provide a wide array of bearings that are used within almost every type of mechanical equipment. The bearings are placed between any two moving pieces of machinery so that they will not rub against each other. Instead, the parts come into contact with the ball bearings, thus reducing or even eliminating the amount of friction that would have been produced. A ball bearing supplier will have all the products you need to keep industrial equipment operating properly, which will, in turn, extend the longevity of these machines.

Establishing an ongoing relationship with ball bearing suppliers or manufacturers is advantageous for both companies. They will gain a loyal customer and you will have a regular provider of all the bearing products you need. A business owner who intends to deal with producers and distributors of industrial bearings for the long term should first consider the following:

1. Does the distributor work with a variety of bearing manufacturers?

2. Will you be making small or bulk orders from companies that supply bearings?

3. Can the bearing distributor you want to deal with supply you with every type of bearing you require?

Deal with bearing distributors that stock metal-based products

Metal is the most common material that bearings are made from. Most distributors or manufacturers of ball bearings create bearings out of solid steel or other metals in a wide variety of styles. Companies that only require metal-based bearings should turn to manufacturers or distributors that specialize in this field.
Try: Contact the people at AST Bearings or ACL Distribution to inquire about working with them.

Work with bearing suppliers that provide non-metal items

The equipment your company uses may require bearings made out of plastic, ceramic or other materials. In this case, you will need to deal with an industrial bearing supplier that maintains a full stock of these products.
Try: Request quotes for products supplied by AP Technologies, Quality Bearings & Components and SLZ Ball Bearing to see which one works best with you.

Find a ball bearing distributor that sells specialty products

There are several types of bearings available. Your company's equipment may only require a particular style of bearing, so you will need to establish a business relationship with a supplier that can provide you with exactly what your machinery needs. Connect with distributors or ball bearing manufacturers that produce tapered, hanger, pivot or angular bearings.
Try: Wafangdian Guoli Bearing Manufacturing creates tapered bearings. DT Components sells hanger bearings. Obtain pivot bearings from Riverhawk, and angular bearings from the Dalton Bearing Service.

Deal with ball bearing companies that can customize your order

Some machinery requires specific components that must be machined to exact specifications. When your equipment needs a bearing that is not available, you must turn to a custom manufacturer that can produce what you are looking for. Partner with a company that can produce these items in a short time and for a reasonable rate.
Try: Have your custom orders processed by Barden/FAG or Kilian Manufacturing.

Try working with bearing distributors that provide wholesale prices for bulk orders.
Deal with multiple industrial bearing suppliers before making a decision about a long-term partnership.